Last Updated on December 15, 2023, 3:34 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Female inmates at St Kitts and Nevis’ His Majesty’s Prison are enjoying remarkable freedom, allowing them to leave the prison compound for rehabilitation.
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew criticized the restrictions that the female prisoners were facing. He termed them as “archaic” and pledged to overhaul the policy.
In March 2023, female inmates at HMP were released for the first time in history, marking International Women’s Day, and streamlined rehabilitation programs were implemented in August to promote gender equity.
During the 2024 Budget Address on December 13, Prime Minister Dr Drew noted that” As of August 2023, incarcerated female offenders are allowed to participate in supervised assignments and rehabilitative activities in the same manner as the males.”
The prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, emphasized that the decision to allow female offenders to have freedom could significantly benefit the offenders upon release, their families, and communities by enabling them to learn new skills and reduce recidivism.
Virgil Hodge, HMP’s Rehabilitation Officer, highlighted that incarcerated persons and their families have well received the new policy.
Since the policy was introduced, the female inmates have participated in Arts and crafts training at the Craft House.
The Department of Gender Affairs organized the training. At the end, the participants showcased their new skills by producing brooches and other trinkets for the Independence 40 celebrations.
Officer Hodge highlighted that the female prisoners have also visited farms at Needsmust to explore farming techniques.
The female convicts were taught t-shirt design and learnt how to make guava cheese during a workshop at St Peter’s.
The rehabilitation officer has announced that additional program activities will be provided to females to aid in their personal and skill development.
The community of St Kitts and Nevis commemorated Dr Terrance Drew for eliminating the gap that was between female and male prisoners.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
